Neighbors, All session, my House DFL colleagues and I worked on your behalf – focusing on ways to reduce costs for families and help workers get ahead. Democrat and Republican House and Senate Leaders, and the governor, signed a budget agreement to provide historic tax cuts and invest in our people. Session adjourned without final action on this agreement. After a negotiation impasse, Senate Republicans gave up and walked away from the critical funding Minnesota needs for nursing homes, education, public safety, infrastructure, middle-class tax cuts, and so much more. Our word is our bond and House DFLers worked in good faith to find ways to compromise, but with the Senate Republican inaction, we will now have to wait until session convenes in January to resolve these differences. Things can change quickly and I can assure you I am ready to work anytime between now and then to find common ground. Post 9/11 Veterans Can Now Apply for Bonus The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country. The 2022 Legislature passed, and Governor Walz signed, the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill including funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries. Learn more here.  July 22nd Deadline to Apply for Frontline Worker Bonus Workers who were on the frontline of the pandemic have another month to apply for a bonus of up to $750. Money set aside for this program will be split equally among all approved applicants. We all are very appreciative of those who put themselves in harm’s way and encourage them to apply if eligible and to spread the word to friends and family  COVID-19 Update Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click here to place your order. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Also, a reminder Americans over 50 and those 12 years and older who are immunocompromised can receive a second COVID-19 booster shot. More COVID-19 updates are available through the Minnesota Department of Health website, or the U of M Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). _________ Stay connected with the Legislature The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or can call my legislative assistant, Blake Wilcox, at 651-296-8803. Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Luke Frederick State Representative |